Marriage vows are sacred in the Bible, and breaking them is seen as a serious offense. However, the Bible also acknowledges human imperfection and provides guidelines for repentance, forgiveness, and, in some cases, separation. The focus remains on upholding the sanctity of marriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About Breaking Marriage Vows
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”
This verse emphasizes God’s strong stance against divorce and the importance of honoring the marriage vows. It highlights the cruelty and harm that can be inflicted upon a spouse through unfaithfulness and calls for the protection of the marital bond.
Matthew 5:31-32
“Furthermore, it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”
In these verses, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce, stating that divorce should not occur except in cases of sexual immorality. He reveals that divorcing a spouse without valid grounds can lead to adultery for both parties involved in subsequent relationships.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
Paul emphasizes that within the marriage relationship, there should be no separation or divorce. If separation occurs, the spouses should either remain unmarried or seek reconciliation to preserve the sanctity of the marital commitment.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the institution of marriage and upholding its sanctity. It emphasizes the need to keep the marriage bed pure and warns that God will judge those who engage in sexual immorality and adultery.
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse highlights the foolishness and self-destructive nature of adultery. It emphasizes that engaging in adultery not only damages the marriage but also harms the individual involved.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Paul instructs believers to actively avoid sexual immorality. He highlights the unique nature of this sin, as it directly impacts the individual’s own body, causing spiritual and emotional harm.
Proverbs 5:15-17
“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.”
This metaphorical passage urges married individuals to find satisfaction in their own spouse and to resist straying into extramarital relationships. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and keeping intimacy within the bounds of the marital relationship.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus highlights the unity established within marriage, with husband and wife becoming one flesh. He emphasizes that this union is divinely ordained, and no human should seek to separate what God has brought together.
Proverbs 2:16-17
“Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.”
This passage warns against the allure of unfaithfulness and the consequences of breaking the sacred covenant of marriage. It emphasizes the need for wisdom to guard against the enticement of those who would lead one astray.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse addresses husbands, calling them to show respect and consideration for their wives. It emphasizes the mutual inheritance of the gift of life and the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship for the sake of unhindered prayers.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
Paul addresses the importance of mutual responsibilities and the physical intimacy within the marriage relationship. He emphasizes the need to fulfill these duties to avoid temptation and maintain a healthy, balanced marriage.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse highlights the significant impact a wife has on her husband’s life and reputation. It emphasizes the importance of a virtuous and supportive wife, whose character brings honor and blessing to her husband.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse emphasizes the influence of a wife in upholding and nurturing her family life. It speaks to the role of a wise and virtuous woman in building a strong foundation within the home, while foolishness can lead to the destruction of the family unit.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Paul encourages husbands to love their wives sacrificially, using Christ’s example of selfless love for the church as a model. It emphasizes the importance of husbandly love that is compassionate, forgiving, and willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of the spouse.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
Paul highlights the reciprocal nature of love and respect within the marital relationship. He calls husbands to love their wives as they love themselves, while wives are encouraged to respect their husbands. These qualities contribute to a healthy and thriving marriage.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
Paul reiterates the call for husbands to demonstrate love for their wives and warns against harshness or cruelty in their actions. This verse emphasizes the need for kindness, grace, and gentleness in marital relationships.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse recognizes the value of a wise and discerning wife as a divine blessing. It emphasizes that her qualities are granted by God and contribute significantly to the harmony and success of the marriage.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse encourages spouses to cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness toward one another. It emphasizes the significance of extending the same forgiveness and grace that God has shown to us through Christ’s sacrifice.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Peter urges believers to prioritize deep love for one another, recognizing that love has the power to bridge gaps and bring healing. This love helps to maintain a strong foundation of forgiveness and reconciliation within the marriage.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This passage extols the virtues of a woman of noble character, emphasizing her worth and the benefits she brings to her husband. It underscores the value of trust and the positive impact a faithful wife has on her spouse.
Proverbs 20:6-7
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
This verse highlights the rarity of finding a faithful person and the blessing that comes from living a blameless life. It emphasizes the positive influence faithful individuals have on their children and future generations.
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Jesus clarifies that divorce and subsequent remarriage outside the ground of sexual immorality is considered adultery. This verse underscores the seriousness of breaking the marriage vows and the importance of honoring the commitment made before God.
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
This verse highlights the importance of confessing and renouncing sins, including the breaking of marriage vows. It emphasizes that true prosperity and mercy are found in honest acknowledgment and repentance instead of hiding or concealing wrongdoing.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This verse speaks to the impact parents have on their children’s upbringing and character development. It emphasizes the importance of modeling faithfulness and integrity within the marriage, as it greatly influences future generations.
Proverbs 9:13-18
“The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.”
This passage warns against the seductive and destructive nature of temptation. It cautions against falling into the trap of infidelity, highlighting the devastating consequences that await those who heed the call of temptation.